Speed Training for Hockey

Speed is widely recognized as the most important physical quality in hockey. The unique demands of skating and the transitional nature of the game require a specialized approach to speed development. This approach extends far beyond just borrowing traditional speed drills from track and field or football.

This book combines the latest sports science research with the author’s extensive experience training hockey players at every level. Throughout the book, you’ll learn Neeld’s proven methods for:

Identifying a player’s strengths and weaknesses and monitoring their training progress

Optimizing the depth, length, and efficiency of a player’s stride

Improving a player’s speed, acceleration, and repeat sprint ability

Maximizing the safety and effectiveness of every exercise and drill

Helping a player reach his or her genetic potential

Speed Training for Hockey pairs a comprehensive description of the factors influencing speed development with proven age-specific 12-week off-season training programs for players from youth to professional levels. The programs are accompanied by a video database, so you can see exactly how to correctly perform all of the exercises, and tips on how to make adjustments if you’re missing certain pieces of equipment.

Not only will you experience firsthand the tremendous impact Neeld’s methods have on your speed, but you’ll also understand exactly why they work.

Kevin Neeld Knows Hockey

Kevin has rapidly established himself as a leader in the field of physical preparation and sports science for ice hockey. He is currently the Head Performance Coach for the Boston Bruins, where he oversees all aspects of designing and implementing the team’s performance training program, as well as monitoring the players’ performance, workload and recovery. Prior to Boston, Kevin spent 2 years as an Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach for the San Jose Sharks after serving as the Director of Performance at Endeavor Sports Performance in Pitman, NJ. He also spent 5 years as a Strength and Conditioning Coach with USA Hockey’s Women’s Olympic Hockey Team, and has been an invited speaker at conferences hosted by the NHL, NSCA, and USA Hockey.

“Kevin Neeld is one of the preeminent Strength and Conditioning Coaches in the country. I have personally benefited a great deal from his writing and educational products and much of what I do with my athletes is a direct reflection on the education Kevin provides.”